Schoolboys row Loch Ness to raise £2,700 in memory of their late friend

Monmouth schoolboys' Loch Ness race raises £2,700

A GROUP of teenage friends from Monmouth School for Boys have raised more than £2,700 in memory of an aspiring cox by rowing the length of Loch Ness.

The money raised will be shared between the cost of a new boat named in honour of Tom Walker, a pupil at the school who died suddenly and unexpectedly in June, aged 13, and to Cancer Research Wales.

The Monmouth crew was the only junior entry among 15 boats who took part in the 22.7-mile Monster the Loch challenge.

The boys were on course to challenge the race's record time, but were hindered by poor conditions and technical problems which eventually forced them to stop shortly before the finish line.

The school's master in charge of rowing, John Griffiths, said: “The boys showed incredible teamwork and wonderful support for each other, and with Tom firmly in their thoughts, no-one wanted to give in.

“While records get broken, the memories and camaraderie from the experience will last for ever. The warmth and depth of support towards the boys – and the challenge – has been incredible.”

To make a donation to the boys' cause via their Justgiving page, visit: www.tinyurl.com/y77g8o76

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